What makes someone decide to leave South Africa after thirty years and start again overseas? Is it crime, opportunity for kids, or maybe just a change in family circumstances? These are questions I explored in my latest chat with Steve Ayres, who moved from South Africa back to the UK after decades of building a life in Johannesburg.

In this episode, you’ll hear Steve’s honest take on what drove his family’s decision to relocate and what it’s really like being a South African abroad - even if, technically, he’s English by birth! I really enjoyed talking to Steve. His positive attitude towards South Africa, as well as his practical reflections on life in both countries, gave me a lot to think about. I hope you find Steve’s story as relatable and inspiring as I did.

Whether you’re considering relocating or just curious about other South Africans’ journeys, there’s something for you here.

“Building a life in the world's most beautiful country, which you've got to think it is really there, such an air of optimism and it… really felt like this was the best place on the planet.” - Steve Ayres

00:00 Introduction

04:12 His journey to SA

09:35 Longing for holidays in SA

12:36 What their family misses most

14:41 Connecting across continents

19:55 Global political leadership

23:17 Remote work experience pre-pandemic

26:53 SA vs England in sports

28:22 “Dog-earned ID”

If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:

[email protected]

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

From a job opportunity to seeking safety - these are just two of the many reasons someone might decide to pack up their life in South Africa and move all the way to North Dakota, USA. But what’s it really like to swap small-town life under African skies for snowy winters in rural America?

In this episode, I chatted to Sonéll Van Niekerk, who made that exact journey with her family in 2022. Sonéll shares how a professional opportunity opened the door to a new life abroad, what it was like to adapt to icy winters, and the challenges of leaving loved ones behind. We touch on making new friends, building community through faith and volunteering, and how her family have navigated these big changes together.

Sonéll is a faith-based educator and content creator, who has built a community online sharing Bible teaching videos on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. She is active in her local church, and fosters both community integration and support among South African expatriates.

I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation – Sonéll’s positive outlook were truly inspiring. Her story offers first-hand advice and honest insight into the realities of relocating from South Africa, all while holding onto hope and building a better future.

“We have a slogan in our family... we should always stick together because we only have each other.” - Sonéll Van Niekerk

00:00 Introduction

06:10 Adjusting to icy winters

09:56 Her journey as a faith educator

11:19 Embracing community as an immigrant

16:01 Discovering a new professional role

17:39 Missing family

22:33 A family’s decision to leave

24:33 Moving to the States

29:22 SA refugee programme

Connect with Sonéll for her faith-based content on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonell.vanniekerk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonell_vn
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonell87

If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:

[email protected]

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever thought about how stressful it might be to leave your home country and start again somewhere new? Or wondered if there are ways to really cope with all the pressures and changes that come with relocating?

In this episode, I chat with Marijke Bruins, a South African-born psychologist now living and working in the Netherlands, about how to manage the stress of moving abroad. We dive into all the real-life challenges - like the shock of leaving behind your support system, language barriers, missing home, dealing with loneliness, and adapting to a new culture. Marijke shares her own experience of moving to Amsterdam and talks honestly about the emotional hurdles, from anxiety and adjustment issues to doubts and the importance of having a support network.

Talking to Marijke was truly eye-opening for me. Her mix of personal anecdotes and professional advice gave me a much better understanding of what it really takes to settle in a new country, both mentally and emotionally. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea or the reality of relocation, I think you’ll find Marijke’s advice helpful and reassuring, just as I did.

“No matter what the reasons or opportunities are, there will be times of difficulty and feelings of loss and trauma.” - Marijke Bruins

00:00 Introduction

03:45 Mental health care abroad

07:52 Navigating relocation stress

11:13:16 Younger vs older expats’ challenges

14:51 Struggling to settle in

20:14 Mixed emotions about leaving SA

24:38 Role of psychotherapy in relocating

27:34 Life abroad is expensive

29:59 Advice for moving overseas

31:47 Exploring Europe

33:38 Advice for anyone going through a tough time

Resources

• Connect with Marijke about dealing with the stress of relocating: https://www.marijkebruinspsychotherapy.com/

If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:

[email protected]

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

What would make a family uproot their lives in beautiful Somerset West and move all the way to the Netherlands? Is it career, safety, or the promise of a better future for their children? Or perhaps all three.

In this episode, I chat to Bradley and Abigail du Toit, a couple who made exactly that leap from South Africa to Europe with their family. Bradley, an old cycling buddy of mine, shares how his career as an electrical engineer opened doors abroad, while Abigail talks candidly about the joys and struggles that come with starting again in a new country.

Hearing their story was deeply relatable; I really appreciated how they shared all about the difficult parts, especially how much they miss family and the practical challenges of settling into Dutch life. I think many listeners will see their own questions and doubts reflected in this conversation.

“Open those doors. Don't be afraid. You never know. You just never know.” - Bradley du Toit

00:00 Introduction

06:49 Making the move abroad for their kids

10:01 How their kids are coping

11:44 Missing family in SA

14:15 Building a community at church

17:45 Wanting the best of both worlds

20:53 Justifying their decision to move

25:04 Opportunity to better their lives

26:14 Funny anecdotes

28:20 His advice for relocating

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever wondered what drives someone to leave behind a comfortable life in South Africa and start over in a completely new country? Or what it really takes to rebuild everything from scratch - career, family life, even community - when you move abroad?

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Zelda Botha, who left South Africa nearly thirty years ago for a new life in the United States. Zelda and her husband were both full-time pastors, living a stable and successful life before feeling a strong calling to move. They were seeking fairness and equality, which they found abroad. I was truly inspired by Zelda’s openness as she walked me through the many challenges their family faced, from having to start over with practically nothing, to juggling multiple jobs so that their children could have the best opportunities possible.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Zelda. Her determination and faith, as well as her candid accounts of embracing change and working incredibly hard, were deeply moving. She didn’t shy away from sharing just how tough moving overseas can be, or what it means to build a new life from the ground up. I found her story to be not only inspirational but also a helpful reality check for anyone considering the same journey.

“You have to have the attitude of the heart to become successful.” - Zelda Botha

00:00 Introduction

05:18 Leaving a pre-democratic country

07:53 Being a pastor in SA

11:29 Faith vs finances

18:16 The spiritual side of social media

20:13 Creating TikToks for South Africans

25:00 Career adjustment struggles

30:22 Affordable medical care

33:51 Balancing work, family and homeschooling

37:03 Embracing opportunity

40:23 Working in retail

49:01 Regret over language choices

50:17 Red tape and logistics

56:38 Willing to help others move abroad

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever thought about taking your studies international? What about starting out a new business venture abroad? What challenges and opportunities might arise, and how do you overcome them?

In this episode, I chat to Kyle du Toit, who left South Africa to pursue his studies in Budapest, Hungary, before later working in Austria and eventually returning to Hungary to try his hand at entrepreneurship. I really enjoyed hearing Kyle’s story, because he’s so obviously adventurous and open-minded. He wasn’t afraid to take risks and try new things. It was inspiring to learn how he navigated language barriers, adapted to new cultures, and has managed to stay connected with family and friends back home.

If you’re considering a future abroad, or just want to hear a relatable story about life after leaving South Africa, I think you’ll really enjoy this episode.

“I wanted to move abroad just to spread my wings.” - Kyle du Toit

00:00 Introduction

04:32 An entrepreneurial mindset

07:05 Studying at an international university

09:21 Overcoming the language barrier

14:45 Work experience abroad

17:11 Impression of SA nowadays

19:33 What he misses most about SA

21:30 Reflecting on making mistakes

23:52 Advice for moving abroad

25:01 Favourite things about Budapest

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to uproot your whole life and move your family to a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea? Or what would make someone leave the warmth and familiarity of South Africa for a place where summer might only last a few days?

In this episode, I chat with Alicia and Silvano Pizzocaro, a South African couple who decided to search for a safer environment and better future for their children, and chose the Isle of Man as their new home. We talk about everything from the notorious weather and the world-famous TT motorbike race, to what it really means to feel settled and build a new sense of community far from home.

I truly enjoyed hearing Alicia and Silvano’s story. Their honesty about the ups and downs of life abroad, as well as the humour in their day-to-day experiences – like walking home at 2am with a pizza in hand, something they’d never do in South Africa – was inspiring and relatable. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

“There is a better life out there than what South Africa has to offer.” - Alica Pizzocaro

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Experiencing the annual TT races

05:38 When and why they left SA

07:22 Lockdown on the Isle of Man

11:21 Their daughter was an alien

14:05 Visiting SA

16:31 Finding friends and community abroad

20:49 Feeling isolated

22:27 Sharing funny stories

24:02 Considering safety and loadshedding

26:01 Settling into their new life

27:41 Advice for anyone emigrating

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

What drives someone to leave behind the only home they've ever known? Is it crime, corruption, or simply searching for a better future for your child? Perhaps it’s all of these.

In this episode, I interview Martin Labuschagne, who made the big move from Pretoria, South Africa, to the UK with his wife and young son in 2019. Martin’s story stood out to me because, like myself, he made the decision to emigrate later in life, at the age of 48. We talk about what it's like to start over at an older age, the challenges of red tape, and the emotional toll of leaving family and friends behind.

Speaking to Martin was a real eye-opener. I felt a genuine connection with his story, especially his honesty about the difficulties, sacrifices, and the strong sense of responsibility he feels as a parent. His insights about integrating with a new community, dealing with practical hurdles, and the emotional side of moving abroad really resonated with me.

If you’re considering relocating or are interested in how others navigate this journey, I’m sure you’ll find Martin’s story as compelling and relatable as I did.

“If you can go, go in your 20s or in your 30s, go as soon as you can so you can start making a life there earlier.” - Martin Labuschagne

00:00 Introduction

03:32 Rushing to relocate pre-Brexit

05:50 Proving their relationship was real

10:25 Immigrate early

15:52 Moving to the UK is expensive

18:58 Would they ever go back?

22:40 Giving away his beloved books

25:06 Writing from the heart

27:16 Feeling numb when they left SA

29:45 Advice for anyone thinking of leaving

Resources

• Read Martin’s original article about emigrating from South Africa, published by Netwerk24: https://www.netwerk24.com/netwerk24/stemme/menings/martin-labuschagne-teenoor-britse-jeugdiges-is-kinders-in-sa-nogal-soet-20250618

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever wondered what it really feels like to leave South Africa behind, or why some people choose to seek opportunities elsewhere? Is it about following your ambitions, looking for safety, or simply searching for a different way of life?

In this episode, I’m joined by Khaya Dlanga - a South African author, marketing executive, and media personality who has achieved so much both at home and abroad. Khaya might be best known for his storytelling and books, but today we dive deep into the emotional side of what it means to leave South Africa: what it means to miss your family, how to cope with grief when you’re far from loved ones, and why building community is so important wherever you find yourself in the world.

Having read Khaya’s latest book, 'Life Is Like That Sometimes', I felt a real connection to his stories about family, loss, and finding belonging. It was both moving and uplifting to talk honestly about the sacrifices, hopes, and challenges that come with relocating, and why, even in the darkest of times, we can still “glow in the dark”.

So if you’re thinking of moving abroad, or you’re already living far from home and missing those everyday South African moments, I hope you’ll find this episode both comforting and inspiring.

“Depending on what drove you overseas, your attitude will be different depending on whether there's a pull factor or a push factor.” - Khaya Dlanga

00:00 Introduction

05:15 YouTube, a happy accident

07:05 Trevor Noah is a global citizen

13:35 Pull vs push factor

15:12 Unemployment in South Africa

21:40 Writing got Khaya through grief

30:21 Building your community

34:45 Advice for staying in South Africa

39:30 “Even in my darkest hour, I glow in the dark”

Resources

• Connect with Khaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khayadlanga
• Follow Khaya on X (Twitter): https://x.com/khayadlanga

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pack up your life in South Africa and move somewhere completely different, all for the sake of a better future for your children? Or what goes through your mind when you look at your home country and start thinking about life twenty years from now?

In this episode, I spoke with Margaux and Dian de Wet, a couple originally from Johannesburg who took the big leap to Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the United States. Their story takes us all the way from Joburg to Barcelona, where Dian studied for his MBA, before finally arriving in America, where they've built a new life for themselves and their twins.

I really enjoyed talking with Margaux and Dian. My conversation with the de Wets was refreshing, and they were open about the tough decisions, sacrifices, and adjustments they had to make - the biggest one was leaving family behind, but there was also getting used to new cultures, and tackling the realities of visas and finding community in a foreign place.

Their reflections on knowing your "why" and sticking together as a couple really hit home for me, and I think their perspective will resonate with anyone considering a similar change.

“I didn't want to go and be poor in another country. That was a big thing for me.” - Dian de Wet

00:00 Introduction

04:09 Doing his MBA abroad

08:03 Creating a new future for their family

15:24 Getting used to the cold

17:53 Finding South African community in Cape Cod

23:26 US Visa challenges

30:22 Safety abroad vs South Africa

32:47 Domestic help is expensive abroad

35:34 Advice for emigrants

Resources

• Join the South African Women in The USA & Canada Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1957344347867518/

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com